BARRY HARRISON

Barry Harrison, age 84, of Dayton, TN, passed away Wednesday, April 24, 2024, surrounded by family after a brief illness. He was born July 22, 1939, in Cleveland, TN. He was of Baptist faith and a member of New Union Baptist Church. He graduated from Bradley County High School, and worked on water towers until he enlisted in the Air Force in 1960.  He was stationed in Germany until 1964 before returning to Cleveland, where he met his late wife, Bettye Harrison, and fell in love. They were married 48 years until her death on June 29, 2013. 

After serving in the military, Barry became a TN Highway Patrolman, stationed in Nashville, Chattanooga, and then Dayton where he and Bettye made their home. He was honored to be chosen to attend the FBI National Academy where he came home with hundreds of police badges from all over the U.S. that now hang in the Rhea County Sheriff’s Department. In 1977, Barry took a position with the District Attorney’s office as an investigator, proudly working under J. William Pope.  He left the D.A.’s office in 1988 and became the Clerk & Master in the Chancery Court.  He retired in 2010 to spend more time with his granddaughter, and he enjoyed his later years spending time with family and friends, traveling with Bettye until her death. Later, becoming best buddies with his longtime friend Phyllis, they helped and supported each other after  the loss of their spouses.

Barry is preceded in death by his wife of 48 years, Bettye (Ragon) Harrison; parents, Thomas A. and Mary Howard.

He is survived by his only child, Lisa (Vernon) Kimbrough; granddaughter, Ragon Duke; sisters, Linda Lauderdale, of Cleveland, TN and Judy England, of Melbourne, FL; granddog, Charlie Boy; nieces and nephews; and special friend, Phyllis Raper.

Funeral services will be Sunday, April 28, 2024 at 2:00 PM, at Coulter-Garrison Funeral Home, with Dr. Danny Ruehling officiating. Interment will follow at Rhea Memory Gardens with Military Honors.

Visitation will be Saturday, April 27, 2024, from 3:00 – 9:00 PM and Sunday, April 28, from 12:00 – 2:00 PM.

Pallbearers will be Ragon Duke, Vernon Kimbrough, Alex Duke, Mike Neal, John Duke, Scott Dicorato.  Honorary pallbearers will be members of Joe’s Sunday school class.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to New Union Baptist Church, c/o Joe’s Sunday school class. 4060 Double S Road, Dayton, TN 37321. 423-775-0515.

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